Homebase has appointed experienced retailer Ian Topping as part-time non-executive chairman to provide support to its management team. 

Mr Topping joins Homebase from HMV, the UK’s largest specialist entertainment retailer, where he was chief executive for five years. During his time at HMV, he oversaw its return to profitability after the company was acquired from administration by Hilco Capital. Before his time at HMV, Ian was chief executive of Steinhoff UK, following its acquisition of Relyon Group PLC in 2001, where he was chief executive until 2012. 

CEO of Homebase, Damian McGloughlin said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian to the Homebase team and we look forward to working closely with him as we work to deliver our turnaround plan. Ian’s experience and knowledge of the retail landscape will be an enormous asset as we continue to reinvigorate the Homebase proposition and return the company to profitability.”

Ian Topping said of his new role: “Homebase has been a mainstay of UK and Ireland retail for over 40 years and I am very pleased to join the company as chairman. The challenges Homebase has faced in recent years have been well documented, however, it continues to have a unique market position, and there is huge potential for the business to return to a position of strength. I am excited to be playing a part in this, and I am proud to be a part of this great business.”